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4 



IN MEMORIAM 



IN MEMORIAM 



ROBERT SCHELL 



Born in Rhinebeck, N. Y., October 8, 1815 
Died in the City of New York, May 8, 1900 



The sweet remembrance of the just 
Shall flourish when he sleeps in dust" 



NEW YORK 

PRIVATELY PRINTED 

1901 



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EDITION OF TWO HUNDRED COPIES 
PRINTED FOR F. ROBERT SCHELL 




New York Historical Society. 

Robert Schell died at his residence, Thirt3^-three West 
Fifty-sixth Street, in the City of New York, on Tuesday, 
the Eighth day of May, Nineteen Hundred. 

Funeral Services were held in the Marble Collegiate 
Church, Fifth Avenue and Twenty-ninth Street, on Fri- 
day morning, the Eleventh day of May. 

Mr. Schell had been identified with the New York 
Historical Society for over half a century, having been 
admitted to its membership on April Fourth, Eighteen 
Hundred and Forty-eight. 

His brother, Augustus Schell, died March Twenty- 
eighth, Eighteen Hundred and Eighty-four, being at that 
time President of the Society. A few months after his 
decease, Mr. Robert Schell became Treasurer of the 
Society, which office he held at the time of his death, 
having been annually re-elected. 

He left a munificent bequest to the Society, for its 
building fund, of Twenty-five thousand dollars. De- 
sirous of preserving for his friends the affectionate trib- 
utes paid to his memory, the following pages have been 
collated. 

Robert H. Kelby, 

Librarian. 



ADDRESS OF Rev. EDWARD B. COE, D.D. 



ADDRESS AT THE FUNERAL OF 
MR. ROBERT SCHELL, 

Held in the Marble Collegiate Church, 
May II, 1900, 

By the Rev. EDWARD B. COE, D.D. 

I HAVE been asked to say a few words, and 
only a few words, in affectionate appreciation of 
the character and life of Mr. Schell. 

It is at once a sad and a pleasant duty, but it 
is one which I do not find altogether easy to 
perform. He would not, I think, have been 
unwilling that we should give expression to our 
kind regard for him, and to our profound sorrow 
at his death. But anything like eulogy would 
have been most offensive to his modest nature 
and would be equally distasteful to his nearest 
friends. It may thus easily happen that what 
seems to us wholly inadequate would have ap- 
peared to him, and would appear to them, ex- 
cessive and unseemly. 

9 



In one respect, however, Mr. Schell was sin- 
gularly fortunate. He lived to be more than 
eighty-four years old. Many men who reach 
that age find that they have outlived their 
friends, and are more or less out of sympathy 
with those among whom their later years are 
passed, Mr. Schell never outlived his friends. 
He never lost his youthfulness of spirit. He 
was fond of young people, and they were no 
less fond of him. He was interested in their 
thoughts and in their interests, and his mind was 
as alert and often as playful as theirs. You may 
have seen him in a company of people, not one 
of whom was half as old as he, and yet he seemed 
as young as any of them. His sense of humor 
was not deadened by the advance of years in 
spite of obvious physical infirmities and limita- 
tions. He kept his youthfulness and even his 
mirthfulness of manner and spirit to the last. 

Now this, which was one of his most charming 
characteristics, had this effect : that we all knew 
him, and (may I not add ?) all loved him. We 
do not need to have anyone tell us what manner 
of man he was. He did not belong to a past 
generation, he was one of us. His face, his 

lO 



voice, his genial presence are at this moment 
vividly before our minds ; they will long linger 
in our memories. 

But this buoyancy of temper is, after all, like 
the sparkling foam on the surface of the river, 
whose power lies in the strong and steady push 
of its deeper currents. And the deeper currents 
of Mr. Schell's nature set strongly toward that 
which was true and noble and good. 

He came to this city in his boyhood. He was 
one of a notable group of brothers, all of whom 
were men of force, of distinction, of wide influence. 
They filled high places, and they filled them well. 
The same is true of him who was the last survivor 
of the group. He did not seek offices or honors, 
but they were thrust upon him, because men knew 
him, and needed him, and trusted him. He 
was a member of many societies, for he was em- 
inently a social man. He was president or di- 
rector in many institutions. Long after he had 
reached the age at which most men have retired 
from active business, he was still at the head of 
one of our most respectable banks. Now this 
does not happen unless a man possesses two 

things: one is a vigorous mind, and the other is 

II 



a trustworthy character ; unless he is at once 
alert and sagacious and strictly honest. All 
this Mr. Schell certainly was. Conservative he 
doubtless was in his views of many things — po- 
litical, financial, commercial, social ; but he was 
quick to perceive new conditions, and as far as 
possible, to adopt himself to them. He was an 
exceptionally judicious counsellor in practical mat- 
ters, and no opinion carried greater weight than 
his in the various boards of which he was a mem- 
ber. And then he was a man of absolute integrity. 
He was far too noble and high-minded to stoop 
to anything that was — I will not say dishonorable, 
but even questionable. Men knew this, and 
therefore they respected him and confided in him. 
In these days in which it sometimes seems as if 
the very foundations of morality were giving way 
beneath our feet, it is a comfort to remember that 
there are such men — many of them — in places of 
responsibility and influence in this city and 
throughout the land ; men who will not for any 
consideration whatever, violate their sense of 
duty or do what they know that the law of God 
forbids. Every such man is like the tower of 
David at Jerusalem, which was '* builded for an 

12 



armory," and which was to the city both an orna- 
ment and a defence. 

Even in his business life, men must, I think, 
have been attracted to Mr. Schell by his rare 
kindliness of spirit. He was a man of force, 
sometimes abrupt in speech and manner, a man of 
quick decisions and of positive opinions ; but he 
had a hearty interest in other people. Who of 
us will not long remember his graceful and cordial 
courtesy ? And he was always ready to help, 
so far as it lay in his power to do so, any one 
who needed help. No friend ever called at his 
house whom he did not, if it was possible, go 
down to see, often at the cost of much personal 
inconvenience and discomfort. He had in large 
measure the beautiful grace of hospitality, which 
so many in our day seem too busy to cultivate 
and manifest. He was also, as very many here 
can testify, a man of great generosity, giving 
constantly and freely to individuals, to the Church, 
to more than one college, to the missionary work, 
to a thousand things. I must not say much about 
this, lest I should seem to praise him, as I must 
not say anything about the loving and reveren- 
tial regard in which he was held by his large 

13 



circle of relatives and friends. But you well 
know what the fact was, though I am sure no 
one knows how constantly and liberally he gave 
to advance the cause of Christ, and to help every 
honest and wise endeavor to promote the welfare 
of his fellow-men. He gave not so much out of a 
large purse as out of a large heart ; he gave joy- 
fully as well as from a sense of duty. 

A sense of duty — this was, I think, the govern- 
ing motive in all his life. I shall venture to refer 
to one proof of it, which he gave, because it was 
publicly given, though it is very personal and 
very sacred. He had long been a Christian — I 
do not know how long — a sincere believer in the 
Lord Jesus Christ, a humble and conscientious 
follower of Christ, a daily student of the Bible, a 
man of prayer ; but he had never made public 
confession of his Christian faith. He did this 
only a few years ago, rising here in this church 
and entering into the full communion of the 
church. There are, no doubt, some of you men 
who know what a hard thing that is to do ; some 
of you who may yourselves have done it ; some 
of you who have not done it, though you know 
you ought to do it. I shall never forget the re- 

14 



mark which was made to me years ago by a man 
of great intelligence, now dead, for whose sincere 
and earnest Christian character I had the pro- 
foundest respect, but who was not a member of 
the church. He said to me : '* It is almost im- 
possible for a man who is over fifty years of age 
to take that step." Mr. Schell was over seventy 
years of age ; he was a prominent man in this 
community ; he felt that he ought to take that 
step, and he took it. He took it from a sense of 
duty to his Master. And there is no one here, 
I am sure, who does not respect and admire him 
for taking it. It shows sufficiently what manner 
of man he was. 

It is sad to think that we shall see his face no 
more, that his work on earth is done, that he is 
gone forever from this world ; but at this solemn 
hour we may reverently and gratefully thank God 
for what He gave to him. He granted him long 
life ; He sustained him under many bitter trials ; 
He enabled him to do a good work ; He gave 
him a perfectly childlike and undoubting faith in 
the Lord Christ Jesus; and, at last, like a little 
child who falls asleep when the day is over, He 
took him sweetly and without a struggle from 

15 



the earthly to the heavenly home. What more 
could He have done for him ? 

And He has given to us his memory to cherish, 
and his example to follow. 



i6 



i 



RESOLUTIONS 



New York Historical Society 

At a special meeting of the Executive Committee 
of the New York Historical Society, held on the ninth 
day of May, 1900, the following resolutions were 
adopted : 

Resolved^ That the Executive Committee of the New 
York Historical Society have heard with profound sor- 
row the announcement of the death at his residence in 
this city, on Tuesday, the eighth day of May, 1900, of 
Mr. Robert Schell, the Treasurer of the Society. 

Resolvedy That this Committee will attend the funer- 
al, Friday morning, the eleventh instant, from the Col- 
legiate Church, Fifth Avenue and Twenty - ninth 
Street, at ten o'clock, and respectfully request the 
members of the Society to join in this tribute of re- 
spect. 

Resolvedy That the President of the Society be re- 
quested to prepare a memorial minute of our late 
Associate and Treasurer to be read at the next meet- 
ing of the Society. 

Daniel Parish, Jr., 

Secretary, 



At a stated meeting of the New York Historical 
Society, held, on the fifth day of June, 1900, the Hon. 

19 



John A. King, President of the Society, submitted and 
read the following memorial minute : 

In obedience to the foregoing resolutions, I have 
with unaffected sorrow at the loss of my venerable 
friend and associate Robert Schell, late Treasurer of 
this Society, prepared the following minute in memo- 
riam : 

To his great virtues, his unalloyed assiduity in the 
discharge of his duties, to the faithful maintenance of 
the financial trusts in his hands, and to the gentle 
deportment of manner and character which were so 
marked in his long and distinguished life. He loved 
the Society and was happy in all his connection with 
it, and in his last will has remembered it so munifi- 
cently. 

Mr. Schell was born at Rhinebeck, Dutchess County, 
N. Y., on October 8, 1815, and was the son of Chris- 
tian and Elizabeth Hughes Schell. His grandfather 
was Richard Schell from the Palatinate of the Rhine, 
whence he came about one hundred and fifty years 
ago and settled with others of his fellow-countrymen 
in Rhinebeck, on the banks of the Hudson River. 
They were of a noted emigration, and though not 
blessed with large pecuniary resources, yet they had 
the solid virtues of a strong and religious people, de- 
termined to found a settlement in the New World, 
where they could be free from religious persecutions 
and could live in peace and charity with themselves 

20 



and the inhabitants, who were their neighbors. They 
were a domestic, thrifty, and frugal people, and 
brought with them their industry and Christian habits 
and moral principles. Mr. Richard Schell was of this 
emigration, and from him have descended a family of 
marked and great moral virtue. Christian, his son, 
married, in 1804, Elizabeth Hughes, a woman of strong 
character and a member of the Collegiate Reformed 
Dutch Church. He was a business man of enlarged 
views, a Democrat, and a patriot, as in 1812 he raised 
and commanded a Volunteer Company for defence of 
the City of New York. He gave his sons a classic 
education, until his early death put an end to his 
plans. Augustus was the only professional man. 
The widow soon removed to New York, and there 
continued to impress her character upon the children. 
She was a good woman, domestic, and made her home 
so attractive, the children were fond of passing the 
evenings in her society. Robert, in due time, entered 
into business pursuits, and became a merchant, and 
Augustus rose in his professional career. They were a 
happy and devoted family. They were simple in their 
tastes and habits and seeking to do good, and to foster 
the charitable institutions as they became necessary 
with the growth of the population of the great metrop- 
olis. Augustus, being the eldest and more in contact 
with the outer world, through his profession, led the 
way, and finding congenial objects wherein they might 

21 



work together. Robert and himself joined sundry 
societies of learning and philanthropy, and we find 
them, year by year, progressing in their useful benefi- 
cence, swerving not from the rules of Christian recti- 
tude. Thus it was that as early as 1845 Augustus was 
very active in the interests of the New York Historical 
Society, being a member of its Executive Committee 
from 1845 to 1870, and its Chairman for twenty years ; 
its President from January 2, 1882, and was President 
until his death, March 28, 1884. Mr. Robert Schell 
was admitted as a member of the New York Histor- 
ical Society April 4, 1848. He remained an annual 
member until January 29, 1885, when he constituted 
himself a life member. He was elected Treasurer of 
the Society January 6, 1885, succeeding the late Ben- 
jamin B. Sherman in that office, and was Treasurer at 
the time of his death. His was a long, useful, and 
faithful service of fifty-two years, and during the latter 
fifteen of these years he was the honored and scrupu- 
lously exact Treasurer of the Society, always ready for 
duty and a wise counsellor in the management of its 
affairs, and greatly assisting in the choice and pur- 
chase of the land on the west side of the Park, in- 
tended for the new building. He had faith in the 
Society, and though unable in his life-time to accom- 
plish that which he had so earnestly at heart, he has 
gloriously sealed that love and regard by making in 
his will a noble and munificent bequest of twenty-five 

22 



thousand dollars for the Building Fund. He knew its 
absolute need, and with his wise, generous, and keen 
foresight he was willing so to kindle the hearts and 
feelings of other wealthy New Yorkers, and of others 
who might come to dwell in our midst of their duty 
and privilege to contribute to one of the oldest societies 
in the city, which is free from debt of any kind, but 
now positively needing a new building wherein to store 
the treasures of art and constantly increasing library. 
May this, his last gift of benevolence, thus crowning as 
it were his many years of active services, be an incen- 
tive to others to share with the Society in the distribu- 
tion of their wealth, so that erelong the land which 
our venerable Treasurer assisted in procuring may 
again by his further benevolence be soon covered 
with a building worthy of New York and of the 
Society. 

Mr. Schell was married in 1850 to Mary S. Taber, 
daughter of Corey Taber, and with her he dwelt in 
great happiness until about four years ago, when the 
tender cord was broken and he was left to mourn her 
loss, as he most faithfully did ; for his life was that 
** of the domestic circle, contributing by his kindliness 
and gentle nature to the happiness of his kinfolk, and 
the comfort of the stranger within his gate." "He 
was the soul of honor in business ; his conscience was 
sensitive not merely to evil, but to the very sugges- 
tion of it. Ought was a sacred word in the vocabu- 

23 



lary of his transactions with men. He was ever kind 
and considerate in his relations with his subordinates, 
but his rigid justice was proverbial with them." 
** Robert Schell was one of the most distinguished 
members of the old guard of mercantile New York. 
He was an old-fashioned man, however, only in his 
most charming courtesy and affability. In everything 
else he was fully abreast of this most progressive and 
intelligent age." 

Mr. Schell belonged to many of the old societies of 
our city. He is the last of the children of Christian 
Schell, surviving his other brothers, all of whom had 
been conspicuous in their day and generation. Like 
them he had become a Democrat of the old school, 
never seeking for promotion in political life, but always 
doing his full duty, and with positive opinions. He 
was a true friend, quiet in his way, and in his habits, 
not caring for the demonstrative conditions of modern 
society, but satisfied with the comforts and happiness 
of a well-regulated Christian home. He had been 
nurtured in the Dutch Church, and to respect the wor- 
ship of that Church. He was a member of the Colle- 
giate Reformed Dutch Church, Fifth Avenue on the 
corner of Twenty-ninth Street. He was a member of 
the Chamber of Commerce, of the St. Nicholas Soci- 
ety, and of the St. Nicholas Club. He was President of 
the Bank of the Metropolis twenty years, from which 
office he resigned five years ago. He was Vice-Presi- 

24 



dent of the German Savings Bank ; a member of the 
Council of the University of New York ; a Trustee of 
Rutgers College, of Woodlawn Cemetery, of the New 
York Eye and Ear Infirmary, and of the Presbyterian 
Hospital ; a member of the American Geographical 
Society, and a member of the Uptown Association, 
and a Director of the New York and Harlem Railroad 
Company ; and also a member of the Botanical Gar- 
den Association. 

I have thus drawn together a brief memorial of the 
salient points of the life of one whom we have been 
permitted to work and be associated with, revealing a 
character of unspotted fidelity to duty and of sterling 
integrity, of great simplicity, so very rare in these 
busy days ; a faithful friend and a wise adviser, of cool 
and sound judgment, and withal a Christian gentle- 
man, and of large beneficence. With you, I shall 
deeply feel his loss, and will sacredly cherish re- 
membrance of the noble example which he has left 
to us. If unto us there is sorrow, let us not forget 
to offer our sincere sympathies to the only son and 
to the other loving relatives and friends who survive 
him. 

I know of no higher commendation than that of his 
pastor, who has said of him : *' I am glad that I knew 
Robert Schell. He strengthened my confidence in 
the possibilities of human nature. He emphasized my 
faith in the gospel of life and Christhkeness. He 

25 



stimulated my desire to make the world better whilst 
passing through it." 

Mr. Alfred T. Ackert, with remarks, submitted the 
following resolution, which was adopted : 

Resolvedy That the memorial tribute of our late As- 
sociate and Treasurer, Robert Schell, be entered on 
the records of the Society, and a copy duly attested 
be transmitted to the family of Mr. Schell. 

Extract from the minutes. 

Sydney H. Carney, Jr., 

Recording Secretary. 



Rutgers College, New Brunswick, N. J. 

The following memorial minute in reference to the 
late Robert Schell, Esq., was adopted by the Trustees 
of Rutgers College, at their meeting held June 20, 1900 : 

in memory of ROBERT SCHELL, ESQ. 
Mr. Robert Schell, who died at his residence in New 
York City on May 8th last, was a man greatly beloved 
by all who knew him for his genial spirit and his en- 
gaging manner, while he was universally respected for 
his integrity and nobility of character. A financier of 
conspicuous ability, President for many years of the 
Bank of the Metropolis, an officer of many public insti- 
tutions, he enjoyed, in an eminent degree, the confi- 
dence and honor of the community in which his life 
was passed, and in which he was widely known. 

26 



He was at the same time interested in all that con- 
cerns the higher life of the city and the nation, and 
gave freely of his wealth to different educational insti- 
tutions, as well as to humane and religious objects. 
He was a loyal and generous supporter of the Re- 
formed Church of which he was a member ; and its 
missionary boards, as well. Rutgers and Hope Col- 
leges have reason to cherish his memory with gratitude 
and honor. 

Elected a Trustee of Rutgers College in 1894, he was 
prevented by physical infirmity from attending many 
meetings of this Board ; but manifested his hearty 
interest in the College by his personal presence when- 
ever circumstances permitted, by the contribution of 
over $16,000 at different times to its treasury, and by 
leaving to it a bequest of $10,000 additional in his will. 
It was a pleasure to be associated with him, and his 
death is a loss to the Church, the College, and the 
community. 



Edward B. Coe 
h. w. bookstaver 
J. B. Drury 
June 20, 1900. 



Committee. 



New York University 

The Council of New York University, at a special 
meeting called for Thursday, June 7, 1900, adopted a 
minute upon the decease of their fellow-member, Mr. 

27 



Robert Schell, and appointed that the same should be 
read at the public commencement this day. 

Mr. Robert Schell entered the Council of the Uni- 
versity in the year 1884, at a time coincident with the 
revival of new interest in the community in the work 
of this foundation. Throughout the entire period of 
his service he has been eminently wise, faithful, and 
liberal in his support of the manifold interests in- 
trusted to our care. The burdens of advancing age 
did not prevent his frequent presence at University 
Heights. He proved by his liberal gifts also his great 
interest in this new outpost of the University. At 
the same time he evinced a comprehensive interest 
as well in the maintenance of the University's work 
at Washington Square and at East Twenty-sixth 
Street. 

In all his intercourse of life he proved himself a 

public-spirited citizen and high-minded Christian. We 

shall preserve his name and memory among those who 

have from the beginning proven themselves devoted 

friends of Christian higher learning in our City of New 

York. 

Henry M. MacCracken, 

Chancellor. 



At the first meeting of the Faculty of Arts and Sci- 
ences after the summer recess, the following resolutions 
were adopted regarding the late Mr. Robert Schell, 

28 



whose decease occurred at the close of the last collegi- 
ate year. 

Resolved^ That in the death of Mr. Robert Schell 
the Faculty of Arts and Sciences recognizes the loss 
sustained by the University of a loyal friend, and an 
earnest and intelligent worker in the University's be- 
half. Entering the Council sixteen years ago, after the 
death of his brother, Mr. Augustus Schell, he aimed 
from the first to promote still further the growth and 
prosperity of an institution in which his brother had 
evidenced his lively interest by a liberal bequest. His 
conscientious discharge of his duties as a member of 
the Board, his thoughtful consideration of every plan 
proposed for the enhancement of its usefulness, not 
less than his direct contributions to the removal of our 
department to its new site on University Heights, 
have shown that fidelity to trust reposed in him was a 
ruling principle in his character. 

Resolvedy That the Faculty desires to convey to Mr. 
Schell's family the expression of its sorrow at the death 
of one by whose wise counsels the University has 
greatly profited, and whose example will ever be an 
incentive to manly Christian living. 

Resolvedy That the Secretary be requested to send a 
copy of this minute to Mr. Schell's family. 

Minutes of the Faculty meeting of October 4, 1900. 

William K. Gillett, 

Secretary. 
29 



Presbyterian Hospital 

At a meeting of the Board of Managers of The 
Presbyterian Hospital, held October 9, 1900, the fol- 
lowing minute was adopted : 

The Board of Managers deeply lament the death of 
their late associate, Robert Schell, who passed away 
on the eighth of last May, in the eighty-fifth year of 
his age. 

Mr. Schell became a member of the Board in 1876, 
and until laid aside by illness was faithful and consci- 
entious in his attendance on its meetings, and the dis- 
charge of his duties. 

While leading a very busy life, he gave much time 
to societies that promote the public welfare. He was 
a member of the Council of the University of the City 
of New York, a Trustee of Rutgers College, Treas- 
urer of the New York Historical Society, and a Trus- 
tee of the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary. 

In business life he held many honorable and impor- 
tant positions, and in all transactions was considered 
the very soul of honor. Socially he was most kindly 
and hospitable. 

Wide-reaching in his sympathies, calm in council, 
wise in his judgments, and decided in his convictions, 
he was admirably fitted to be a valued counsellor in 
the management of benevolent institutions. 

His charities, which were many, were so quietly be- 

30 



stowed that only the subjects, in most cases, knew of 
them. The establishment of a Missionary Hospital in 
memory of his wife, and the endowment of a profess- 
orship of biblical instruction in Hope College, were 
among the latter acts of his life. A large number of 
individual beneficiaries join in the general mourning 
for his loss. 

In his death the Church has lost a most worthy 
member, the institutions he served a wise counsellor, 
and the city a prominent example of Christian citizen. 

C. W. McAlpin, 

Recording Secretary, 



Bank of the Metropolis 

At a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Bank 
of the Metropolis held May lO, 1900, to take appropri- 
ate cognizance of the death of Mr. Robert Schell, 
which occurred at his home in this borough, No. 33 
West Fifty-sixth Street, on the eighth day of May, 
on motion duly made and seconded the following Pre- 
amble and Resolution were unanimously adopted : 

Whereas^ By the will of God our associate, Mr. Rob- 
ert Schell, departed this life on the 8th inst., and we 
desire to place on the minutes of this Bank the expres- 
sion of our profound grief at that event, and at the 
same time record our affectionate regard for himself 
personally, and our deep sense of the obligations 

31 



which we, as well as all others interested in the wel- 
fare of this institution, were under to our lamented 
friend. 

Mr. Schell was the second President of this Bank, 
elected January 29, 1872, which office he filled for 
twenty-two years, and resigned only because he con- 
sidered that advancing years had rendered him no 
longer capable of bearing the burdens of its active 
duties, but he continued a member of this Board to 
the time of his death. 

During all the periods of adversity or prosperity in 
that long presidency, Mr. Schell remained the same, 
neither unduly elated nor cast down, but exhibiting an 
unwavering confidence in the future of this institution, 
and giving to this Bank, for more than a quarter of a 
century, the benefit of great business experience, a nat- 
ural aptitude for the business of a bank, and still more, 
the inestimable advantage that is derived from a char- 
acter which knew only how to do the right without 
regard to the expedient, and in whom commercial 
honesty and honor were an instinct. 

He endeared himself to all who came in contact with 
him and in a singular manner to us, his associates in 
this Board, as well as to all others connected with this 
Bank. Therefore, be it 

Resolvedy That this estimate of our departed friend 
be inscribed on the minute-book of this Bank, and 
that a copy thereof, signed by the President and Cash- 

32 



ier, be forwarded, together with the expression of our 
sincerest sympathy and condolence, to the family of 
Mr. Schell. 

Theodore Rogers, President, 

E. C. Evans, Cashier. 



German Savings Bank 

At a special meeting of the Board of Trustees of the 
German Savings Bank in the City of New York, held 
May 9, 1900, the President communicating the sad in- 
telligence of the death of Mr. Robert Schell, the fol- 
lowing Preamble and Resolutions were unanimously 
adopted : 

The Trustees of the German Savings Bank in the 
City of New York have received with profound sorrow 
the announcement of the death of their associate and 
friend, Mr. Robert Schell, the Vice-President of this 
Bank. 

He was one, and the last remaining, of the incorpo- 
rators of this Bank, and for over eighteen years one of 
its Vice-Presidents, at all times ready to devote his 
time and energy to the furtherance of its interests. 

In every field to which humanity invoked the ser- 
vices of the philanthropist his counsel, labor, and earn- 
est benevolence were always effective. 

Bowing in sadness to our affliction, we shall always 
bear in grateful remembrance his virtues and his ser- 

Z2> 



vices, and direct this minute to be engrossed on the 
records of the Bank. 

Resolved, That this Board attend the funeral ser- 
vices in a body, that the flag of the Bank be daily dis- 
played at half-mast until the day of the funeral ; that 
these resolutions be published in one of the daily pa- 
pers of this city, and that an engrossed copy be sent 
to the family of Mr. Schell, as an evidence of our sym- 
pathy. 



New York and Harlem Railroad Company 

The Board of Directors of the New York and Har- 
lem Railroad Company, at a meeting held Monday, 
May 21, 1900, adopted the following memorial, and 
ordered the same to be spread upon the minutes : 

In the death of Robert Schell, this Board has lost 
one of its most valued members. For the many years 
during which he served as a Director, he was conscien- 
tious and faithful in the discharge of every duty. 

In his long and busy life he was the custodian of 
many trusts, and in the performance of the delicate 
and difficult tasks which such positions impose, he ex- 
hibited rare wisdom and judgment. 

It was his special work to look after, as Director and 
custodian, the affairs of estates, banks and corpora- 
tions, and he did it with satisfaction to all parties in 
interest. 

34 



We, the Directors of the New York and Harlem 
Railroad Company, feel the loss, not only of his ad- 
vice and judgment, but personally. 

His quick sympathies, and genial and kindly nature, 

made warm friends of all who were so fortunate as to 

know him well. 

E. V. W. ROSSITER, 

Secretary. 



WooDLAWN Cemetery 

At a regular meeting of the Board of Directors of 
The Woodlawn Cemetery held June 12, 1900, the fol- 
lowing minute was adopted : 

The Board of Directors of The Woodlawn Cemetery 
desire to record their appreciation of the character and 
services of their late colleague, Robert Schell, who de- 
parted this life May 8, 1900. He was faithful in the 
discharge of the duties devolving upon him. Kind 
and considerate in his intercourse with his fellow-di- 
rectors, thereby commanding their appreciation and 
esteem. While death came to him at a ripe old age, 
yet we sincerely mourn his departure ; we shall miss 
his wise counsel and pleasant voice at the meetings of 
the Board. 

The Board tender their heartfelt sympathy to the 
family and relatives of their deceased associate. 

William T. Booth, 

Secretary. 
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PRESS NOTICES 



PRESS NOTICES 

Robert Schell, who resigned the presidency of the 
Bank of the MetropoHs five years ago on account of ill- 
health, died in this city yesterday. He was born at 
Rhinebeck, N. Y., and was connected with many chari- 
table, benevolent, and educational institutions, being 
at the time of his death a Trustee of Rutgers College 
and a member of the Council of the New York Uni- 
versity. — The Daily Democrat ^ Amsterdam ^ N. Y., 
May 9, 1900. 



Robert Schell died suddenly in New York City re- 
cently. He was Vice-President of the German Savings 
Bank in New York, and Treasurer of the New York 
Historical Society. Mr. Schell was born in Rhinebeck, 
in 181 5, and was one of the last of a once prominent 
Dutchess County family. He was the son of Christian 
and Elizabeth Schell. He was married in 1850 to 
Mary S. Taber. He leaves one son, Francis Schell. 
He was a brother of Richard, Edward, and Augustus 
Schell, all of whom he survived. 

Mr. Schell had been President of the Bank of the 
Metropolis for twenty years, resigning five years ago. 
He was a Director of the New York and Harlem Rail- 
road, a member of the Collegiate Reformed Dutch 
Church, and was an active member of the New York 
Historical Society. He was also a member of the 

39 



American Geographical Association, the Uptown As- 
sociation, and the St. Nicholas Club. — The News- 
Press ^ Poughkeepsie, May lO, 1900. 



Robert Schell, who resigned the presidency of the 
Bank of the Metropolis five years ago on account of ill- 
health, died in this city yesterday. He was born at 
Rhinebeck, N. Y., and was connected with many chari- 
table, benevolent, and educational institutions, being at 
the time of his death a Trustee of Rutgers College and 
a member of the Council of the New York University. 
— The Register y Newburgh, N. F., May 9, 1900. 



Robert Schell, who died on May 8th, was the last of 
four noted brothers, he, Richard, Augustus, and Edward 
forming a family quartet nearly as famous as the cele- 
brated *' four Field brothers," David Dudley, Stephen 
Johnson, Cyrus West, and Henry Martyn. At Mr. 
Schell's funeral on Friday I saw among the mourners 
four of his life-long associates, men prominent in busi- 
ness and finance, each of whom long ago passed the 
threescore and ten mark in life's journey. These were 
Charles L. Tiffany, Samuel Sloan, Joseph Park, and 
William B. Isham, four directors in the Bank of the Me- 
tropolis, of which Mr. Schell was President for twenty 
years. Mr. Tiffany is head of the house of Tiffany & 
Co., in Union Square ; Mr. Sloan is the famous " Sam " 
Sloan of the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Rail- 

40 



road ; Mr. Park is head of the firm of Park & Tilford, 
and Mr. Isham is the well-known banker. 

Robert Schell would have appealed to the heart of 
Magistrate Crane. He possessed in marked degree 
the rarest of human attributes — gratitude. Henry 
Clews, who was most active in raising a fund for the 
widow of ex-Mayor Hall, sent an appeal to a director 
in the Bank of the Metropolis, and the reply brought 
not only a check for $25 from that gentleman, but one 
for $50 from Mr. Schell, who had not been approached. 
The latter explained afterward to Mr. Clews that when 
Oakey Hall was Mayor, in 1869, he had granted him 
a favor, and he thought the privilege of contributing 
toward the widow's fund was an excellent opportunity 
to reciprocate the courtesy. This act was characteristic 
of the man. He never forgot a kindness. — The New 
York Press, May 14, 1900. 



The late Robert Schell was one of the most distin- 
guished members of the old guard of mercantile New 
York. He was an old-fashioned man, however, only 
in his most charming courtesy and affability ; in every- 
thing else he was fully abreast of this progressive and 
most exacting age. 

He was the life of his domestic circle, contributing 
by his kindliness and good-nature to the happiness of 
kinsfolk and the comfort of the stranger within his 

41 



gates. The death of his dear wife, a few years since, 
was like the putting out of the light of his eyes. To 
the last he gathered the flowers which she loved, 
and was heard sobbing for her in the middle of the 
night. 

He was the soul of honor in business. His con- 
science was sensitive not merely to evil but to the very 
suggestion of it. ** Ought" was a sacred word in the 
vocabulary of his transactions with men. He was ever 
kind and considerate in his relations with subordinates, 
but his rigid justice was proverbial among them. 

In the church he was constantly responsive to duty. 
His pastor had no more loyal helper, no dearer friend. 
How we shall miss him ! It would be quite impossible 
to make suitable mention of his beneficences, since he 
would allow no trumpet to be sounded before him. 
Not even his own left hand could have invoiced what 
was done by his right. The giving of a Missionary Hos- 
pital in memory of his wife was one of the last of his 
numberless charities. An army of poor people, in 
every part of our country, has been more or less de- 
pendent upon him. 

I shall never forget his courage in making public 
profession of his faith in Christ. It was a step long 
contemplated but postponed from time to time ; until, 
in an hour of sore affliction, the question came to an 
issue. His resolution formed, there was no shrinking ; 
but who shall measure the heroism of that open 

42 



avowal ? He felt his duty, and, at whatever cost, 
must do it. This is the stuff that men are made of. 

His death was painless and peaceful. He had long 
looked forward to the home-bringing, the reunion in 
the Father's house. *' So part we sadly in the wilder- 
ness, to meet again in sweet Jerusalem." 

In recalling his life and death I am reminded of what 
Sir Walter Scott said, at the last, to his son-in-law : 
** Lockhart, my dear, there is nothing better in the 
world than to be a good man." 

I am glad that I knew Robert Schell. He strength- 
ened my confidence in the possibilities of human nat- 
ure ; he emphasized my faith in the gospel of life and 
Christlikeness ; he stimulated my desire to make the 
world better while passing through it. 

Farewell, dear friend, for a little while. We do not 
sorrow as those that have no hope. Auf wiedersehen 
— until we meet again. — DAVID James Burrell. — 
The Christian Intelligencer y May 23, 1900. 



Robert Schell, a prominent banker of New York, who 
was years ago one of New York's leading jobbers in 
jewelry, died suddenly. May 8th, at his home, 33 West 
56th Street, New York. Death was due to pneumonia. 
Mr. Schell will be remembered by the older jewellers as 
having been prominent among the dealers in Maiden 
Lane for nearly thirty years, namely between 1844 and 
1872. 

43: 



, Mr. Schell was born at Rhinebeck, Dutchess County, 
N. Y., October 8, 1815, and came of a prominent family. 
In 1844 he joined Louis S. Fellows, who had been es- 
tablished in the jewelry business for many years, and 
with him formed the firm of Louis S. Fellows & Schell. 
The firm, who were importers of fancy goods and 
watches and also jobbers in jewelry, built up a large 
trade and prospered until 1866, when Mr. Fellows died. 
The business was then continued by Mr. Schell under 
the name of Robert Schell & Co. until 1872, at which 
time he retired from the jewelry trade altogether. Mr. 
Schell became identified with many prominent banks of 
New York, and among other positions which he held 
was that of President of the Bank of the Metropolis for 
twenty years, Vice-President of the German Savings 
Bank, a Director in the New York and Harlem Rail- 
road, a member of the New York Chamber of Com- 
merce, a member of the Council of the University of 
the City of New York, and a member of other large 
concerns and institutions. At the time of his death 
Mr. Schell was Treasurer of the New York Historical 
Society, a position he had held for twenty years, and 
was also actively connected with the American Geo- 
graphical Society. He was also a member of St. 
Nicholas Club, St. Nicholas Society, Uptown Asso- 
ciation, and of the Collegiate Reformed Dutch Church. 
— The Jewellers Circular- Weekly, May 16, 1900. 



44 



